Independence Declaration's Enduring Impact and Influence: A Dialogue with Scholar Carol Faulkner
As the United States prepares to commemorate the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, scholars and the public alike will focus on the high ideals that forged a nation – liberty, equality, and democracy. Yet, it is crucial to remember that the journey towards these ideals has been complex and fraught with challenges.
Originally penned by Thomas Jefferson in a rented room in Philadelphia in June 1776, the Declaration of Independence has significantly impacted American society and global politics over time. Its principles have evolved and influenced various movements and governments worldwide.
In shaping American identity and politics, the Declaration's emphasis on individual rights, liberty, and democracy has been pivotal. Its principles have been invoked throughout American history, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, as a standard for promoting equality and justice. Moreover, the Declaration's principles are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, further solidifying its impact on American governance.
Beyond American borders, the Declaration has inspired numerous independence movements. The French Revolution, Latin American independence movements, and African independence movements, among others, have all been influenced by its principles. The Declaration's assertion of universal human rights has become a cornerstone for global movements advocating for democracy and human rights, as seen in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and various international human rights instruments.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that the struggle for the United States to live up to these ideals is evident in its history. Slavery, women's rights, and the treatment of Native Americans are areas where the nation has fallen short. American women did not gain full political equality until the 19th Amendment (1920) and the Voting Rights Act (1965), while Native Americans gained citizenship in 1924 but continue to fight to overcome a history of U.S. violence and displacement.
The American Revolution is now viewed as part of a broader age of revolutions, with its impact reverberating throughout the western hemisphere and Atlantic world. The Marquis de Lafayette, an important ally and military leader for the American Revolutionaries, became an influential figure in the broader age of revolutions into the 19th century.
Meanwhile, Betsy Ross's life as a Quaker and skilled seamstress is fascinating beyond the fact that she sewed the flag. Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, an enslaved woman who sued for her freedom and helped end slavery in Massachusetts in 1783, deserves more attention. Tessa Murphy's book "Creole Archipelago" is an example of new scholarship focusing on the American Revolution's impact on the Caribbean.
Moreover, Joseph Brant and his sister Molly, leading members of the Mohawk nation, were allied with the British during the American Revolution. Native Americans' ongoing struggle for justice highlights the need for continued reflection and action to ensure that the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence are extended to all.
In spring 2026, a class on "USA @ 250" focusing on key issues in U.S. history, society, and politics from the Revolution to the present will be taught by Maxwell colleagues. This class serves as an opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of the nation's past and present, as well as to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to truly live up to the ideals set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence still stands as an inspirational and aspirational document for the United States and for people around the world. Its principles continue to guide human rights advocacy globally, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and government accountability. As the nation commemorates this historic milestone, it is a reminder to strive towards the ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy for all.
The Declaration of Independence, influencing various movements and governments worldwide, has significantly impacted global politics and general news discourse. Its principles of individual rights, liberty, and democracy have been invoked in American history to promote equality and justice, but the struggle to fully embody these ideals is evident in areas such as the treatment of Native Americans, women's rights, and slavery.
